In order to keep the Scouting program fresh and invigorating, it is constantly being updated. Bruce E. Cobern, Advancement Chairman for the Founders District in Queens Council, NY, develops outlines of all the major changes each time they happen. Outlines from 1995 to 2002 are available in Changes in the Boy Scout Advancement Program. In addition, there is a chart of the Merit Badge Pamphlet Revision Dates for all the merit badge pamphlets.

In addition to standard requirements for Ranks and Merit Badges, there are also general requirements which apply to the advancement process. The Boy Scout Ranks provide more informaiton on requirements for age, physical or mental disability, service projects, and merit badge. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the BSA's Merit Badge Numbering System. It is a simplified way of identifying merit badges which is used on the advancement chart and in some paperwork.

Do you want to earn your merit badges by e-mail through the internet? It's not a generally accepted practice but it may become common place in the future. See Counseling Merit Badges Over Long Distances for some ideas on how this could be handled in the future. Be sure to send me any comments you may have.

The Aims and Methods of Scouting are the core of the Scouting program. Included are the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.

By the way, did you ever wonder how many Scouts have earned their First Aid Merit Badge? How about Leatherwork? Or Beekeeping? Well, the answers to this and other questions is available on the Merit Badges Earned pages.

Do you need to order merit badge pamphlets or any other Scouting documents? Stop by ScoutStuff.org for access to the official Boy Scout Catalog.

External links

http://olc.scouting.org/ - The BSA Online Training Center (an official BSA web site). This provides a variety of materials, from quick references to complete courses, all designed to help Scouting members improve leadership skills and deliver a quality program.